Share
12th October 2023
10:26am BST
"And I think that role is being that squad player.
"Coming on in the odd game, making that impact like he did at the weekend and playing in League cup games, FA Cup games, stuff like that, because the amount of games that they have, there is a role for him somewhere.
"He's a good fella to have around the squad," says Cawley, "and it's almost ironic when you hear all these problems with players' attitudes, yet here's a lad who's a really good lad, with a great attitude, yet Ten Hag doesn't (rate him that highly)."
Cawley doesn't see McTominay as a starter for Manchester United, but he does reckon the 26-year-old should be getting more minutes.
"Look, I don't see him as a solution long-term or one of the players that, if you play him every week, we're going to topple a Man City or Arsenal or get above them. I don't think he's that good.
"And Man United need top quality players if they're ever going to get above City or Arsenal, but in terms of a role at the club, and a part of a squad, and you do need a squad now, I would have him absolutely, 100% as part of that sqaud."
Manchester United did reject a £35 million bid from West Ham for McTominay during the summer, with the club apparently valuing their midfielder at more than £40 million.
"It was great to see him coming on. He's had to bide his time, it's been difficult for him. He probably felt as though he was on the way out and probably wanted out, just to play games but it goes to show, it's a reflection on his professionalism that he could come on and make that impact.
Listen to the latest episode of House of Football with Eric Lalor, Alan Cawley and Chris O'Gara below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pULKNAtLQOwExplore more on these topics:
